We’ve Got Some Big Houses—That We Could Share

 

 

For many people, “doubling up”—moving in with family or friends—is the last step on the way to homelessness.  But doubling up has benefits for people and for the planet.

1. Less Poverty

In 2010, that 3.1% difference could have meant 1.4 million people kept out of poverty.

2. Security and Independence for Elders

Consider this: 79 million baby boomers will be entering their elder years in the next two decades. Where will they live? Elders who live with others are healthier, by 15%. For older men, rates of depression are more than double for those living alone (30% vs. 12%).

3. More Sustainable

One of the biggest costs of housing—both monetary and ecological—is heating and cooling. If you put four people in the space that used to be occupied by two, it changes the heating and cooling requirements for that space hardly at all. But it means you’re heating and cooling half the space you were before.

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Doug Pibel wrote this article for Making it Home, the Summer 2012 issue of YES! Magazine. Doug is managing editor of YES!

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